Ashish was firm and serious about life, and Shiamak was an experimentalist and fun-loving. Both were part of the same team for an upcoming project. They did not like each other’s ways and often detested and made fun behind the back. After the initial resistance settled down, they started working together.
Shiamak disliked Ashish’s formal ways, and Ashish often struggled to keep up with Shiamak’s sudden revelations on the project. Their language and conduct were opposite, and each held oneself in high regard. Every team member felt skewed towards the style that suited them, thus polarizing the team.
The friction was high, but under the mask of team management, the team leader continued to pacify. He explained to Ashish and Shiamak that people skills are a critical appraisal parameter.
As they argued and adapted, little did they realize that they were learning in the process.
Ashish learned
- It is good to explore ideas
- Taking a break improves work quality and
- People like Shiamak are not as bad!
Shiamak learned
- Focused working leads to better execution
- Cutting distractions improves work quality and
- People like Ashish are also good!
What kept them from this wisdom?
What held them back?
A mind that stereotypes. It is the most lethal, and it obstructs one’s way to learning and gaining wisdom.
What is true wisdom?
True wisdom lies in accepting each other’s ways, not wanting them to change.